Outside again!

September 18, 2010 - Janet DelTurco

Finally I am seeing daily improvement in my ankle after tendon surgery eight weeks ago and am using just a cane to get around after abandoning the walker that was by my side every moment.

It is wonderful to be able to get outside again to attack the rampant growth in the garden. I have trimmed back bushes and uprooted weeds in front of the house with the help of a good friend, and she trimmed the cherry tree for me, so when I look out of the window I can see more than leaves from top to bottom.

There is still so much to do, and I cannot stay out too long at a time, but am working my way down the side of the house. One thing I have not attempted yet is the vegetable garden, but all that has to be done there is a massive "pulling-up" of tomatoes, peppers, bean vines and the like. The Swiss chard and beets should still be good, along with the turnips if any of them chose to grow. Betty kindly pulled out and removed the cornstalks a few weeks ago. The crop was wonderful this year, and for the first time since I have been growing it I did not have to go out and prop the stalks up after a big windstorm. Gotta Have It from Gurney's catalog is the variety I always grow, a yellow and white blend that is so reliable.

The ornamental grass outside my window here has grown its plumes, and other signs of fall are all around.

I have to clear the patch on the front corner as a good friend is bringing a big rock for me. I just love rocks, and I am sure I will have a lot to write about it when it arrives. The barberry bush has to go, and as I have never liked it that will be a pleasure. I'll have to move the Peace rose and an old birdbath with succulents. I think the Russian sage is tough enough to survive even under a large rock, and should look good behind it. I can hardly wait!